Office Complex Receives Approval

HOLLYWOOD — A developer`s plans to build a $3 million office and retail complex on the so-called ``May property`` near the Hillcrest condominium have been approved by the City Commission.

Architect Arthur Frimet, representing the developer, the May Trust, said construction of the three-building complex will begin this summer and be completed in about one year.

The city considered buying the 4.9-acre tract last fall, but rejected the idea when the May Trust asked $3 million for the land, more than nine times its assessed value of $386,060.

The site is located at 1251 S. 34th Ave. near Park Road.

Residents at Hillcrest had expressed concern last year that a fly-by-night development would would be built on the property and downgrade their neighborhood.

Those fears have been laid to rest, according to Growth Management Director Robert Davis, who said no one spoke against the project when it was considered by commissioners last week.

``We attempted to make a center that is completely the antithesis of what was characterized by critics as a `strip center,` Frimet said. ``I think it will stabilize the neighborhood by the size of it. It goes a long way toward solving the concerns once voiced by the objectors.``

The Mediterranean-style complex will be U-shaped. Two outer, one-story buildings will house retail stores, while the middle two-story building, will have retail and office space.